Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I have not forgotten I am January. Now that Dutch has crossed that rainbow bridge to meet his best friend Bonnie Doon, my life is much less complicated. January is a new beginning, a fresh start. It is the first of twelve. The expectation is lots of promise through the next eleven. Think of words and things with which you can express that feeling.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

My little triangle tree quilt for Margaret was so much fun to make. Have been wanting to quilt with silk for a long time. Never channel quilted in triangles before, so this was new territory for me. Have to say I was a little nervous about joining this very creative group, but I am enjoying the freedom and the challenges so far.

And I am also enjoying V's triangle trees! That little beaded red one is my favorite, of course, but they are all so utterly charming. And the hand embroidered chain stitching is delightful. Love the red checked border, too. Reminds me of my husband's favorite shirt. Oh, I really get so sentimental at Christmas. Thank you, Victoria!!! Your work is now on my front door for all to see....

Friday, December 2, 2011

Today, I got a chance to work on my little quilt for Shelly. I made some fabric in three values. I wanted to see if I could create a little depth. I also did some foundation piecing once I got the fabric made. I am still learning how to make my own foundation designs from my designs. This one worked pretty well. Now, I have some borders to add and a little applique to do.

I think I'm finished ... backed, self-binding, quilted ... maybe a little more quilting here & there as I study it from time to time. I took this as one project on a weekend away in PA with some quilting friends. All were quite complimentary on the piece but I found it interesting when someone asked, What are you going to do with it? And my response was, I don't know ... it was just a challenge. Two people voiced their opinion that they would never embark on making a quilt with no purpose in mind. I explained that it was the process, the making of it that intrigued me. I don't think they understood.

Monday, November 28, 2011

tiny triangle morsels...
will this be it?
or will I play out a few more ideas?
I'm in a very Christmas-y spirit... Since I will be giving away all the lovely quilts that were sent in for BASICS on Thursday! The perfect thing to get me in the Holiday mood! ;-)

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Yeah! Feels good to get back to sewing stuff again. I was beginning to seriously pine for my sewing machine and that messy room. I did spend a couple of hours in here cleaning up some stuff, but you would never know it. I don't think anything LOOKS different, it is just a bit cleared and organized. Notice I said "a bit", that is all - a tiny tiny tiny bit.

See my helper? See how beautifully her ears fan out? Why couldn't she do that when she sat with Santa CAAWS for the picture that goes on my Christmas Card? Why? Aughhhhh! #%$*& Bassets!

I can't show you the entire thing I am working on because this is a December Challenge from the Modern Group. So here are some peeks.

I am in South Louisiana and I used to think those Christmas cards with all the snow and the trees, and the horse drawn sleighs were all make believe fakes. Our Christmases are very, very green around here! (You would think I could match the seams on the flying geese after all these years of quilting, wouldn't cha? I guess not.)

I am liking the way this is turning out. I am lusting after it for myself. Will I have the willpower to mail it off in two weeks.....stay tuned and see.

PS. I could make another one but I don't have anymore of that footprint fabric. And those footprints go so perfectly with the entire thing. Aughhhhh!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I'm on for the December challenge and I was thinking I should get to posting it soon. I was planning a small swap, but I realize this is a busy time of year, especially for the Americans as you gear up for T'hanksgiving and Christmas. What's the thinking out there for a swap with a mid-December deadline?

Monday, October 31, 2011

For my inability to make a decision very quickly. It infuriates My Cowboy that I can never decide where I want to eat, what I want to cook, if I want to go ride my horse or not, what time I want to go to town, what I should wear, or if I want to go with him when he goes somewhere.

I can't explain it, but so much of the time, it's due to the fact that I have too many choices and I like them all. Such was the case with choosing a palette for this challenge! Whew!

I must have looked at every single one of those palettes 2 and 3 times each. I slaved over the decision, and killed SO much time staring at the computer screen, still never coming to a conclusion. I'd think I had it nailed down, walk away, come back, and nope! Start all over again . . .

But I finally just HAD to decide, even if I could still go on looking for many more hours. Just. Had. To. Decide.

I know Miki said to try to choose colors that you don't normally work with, but I have to admit right from the start that I did not do that. I chose reds. Red is my favorite color, and I work with it a lot. But if I had chosen colors I don't normally use, I'd have had to go fabric shopping, most likely. That's bad for me for two reasons:

1) I'm trying to reduce my stash and use up fabric I already have and not bring any more into my studio . . . for now.

2) The nearest quilt shop to me is over an hour away, and I don't have time to go there as often as I'd like.

So . . . I've picked a palette, and while I still haven't pulled any fabrics for the piece yet, I will soon. I'm going to Houston this week, and after that, I can come home and play in the studio again . . . with a fresh dose of inspiration, no doubt!